FDA unveils alarming findings on heavy metal contamination in foods and cosmetics

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana, in collaboration with UNICEF, has released a damning national report revealing widespread heavy metal contamination in commonly used food and cosmetic products across the country.

Speaking at the official launch of the Heavy Metal Contaminant Assessment Report at the Airport West Hotel in Accra, Mr. Roderick Daddey-Adjei, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Food Division) of the FDA, described the findings as “a call to urgent action,” especially given the potential risks to vulnerable populations including children and women of reproductive age.

The nationwide surveillance, conducted across all sixteen administrative regions, focused on five widely consumed or applied products: turmeric, cereal mixes, bentonite clay (locally known as ayilor), kohl (kaji kaji), and skin-lightening creams and lotions.

The study tested for the presence of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) — heavy metals known to pose serious health hazards.

Key Findings:

• Kohl (Kaji Kaji): Registered the highest contamination, with 77.79% of samples failing due to excessive lead content. The Upper East and Eastern regions recorded a shocking 100% failure rate.

• Turmeric: Showed a 42.09% failure rate for lead contamination, with the Greater Accra and Central regions most affected.

• Cereal Mixes: Revealed 29% failure for cadmium contamination, particularly in the North East, Western North, and Oti regions.

• Bentonite Clay (Ayilor): Had a 24.62% failure rate for lead, with the North East and Greater Accra regions again featuring prominently.

• Skin-lightening creams/lotions: Provided a rare relief, with 100% compliance and no mercury contamination detected.

  
  

Mr. Daddey-Adjei noted that unbranded and loosely packaged products sold in open markets and small retail shops were the primary sources of contamination.

"This raises serious public health concerns,” he warned, adding that the findings reaffirm the need for robust regulatory enforcement and public education.

Regulatory Response

To curb the risks identified, the FDA has already initiated several regulatory interventions:

• Strengthened port surveillance and new guidelines for kohl products.

• Expanded safety checks and product recalls for affected cereal mixes and turmeric.

• Data gathering and engagement with producers of bentonite clay to support safer production practices.

• Nationwide education campaigns to inform consumers about the health dangers of heavy metal exposure.

• Ongoing annual monitoring of high-risk food and cosmetic items.

Mr. Daddey-Adjei expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its continued partnership in advancing public health in Ghana and commended all stakeholders — from researchers and health professionals to consumer advocates — for their role in ensuring product safety.

He urged all present at the launch, including regulators, industry representatives, and development partners, to actively participate in finding practical solutions.

"Let us share ideas, deliberate, and strengthen our partnerships to protect consumers and restore confidence in the safety of our markets,” he stated.

The FDA reiterated its unwavering commitment to consumer protection through science-driven regulation, surveillance, and education.

The full Heavy Metal Assessment Report is expected to serve as a vital reference for future policy decisions and regulatory reforms.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith